Angola Driving Guide

Angola is a fresh new destination in the tourism scene because it was only recently opened to visitors due to the decades-long civil war. Even if it is not fully established as a tourist destination yet, a lot of opportunities are definitely up for expansion and improvement in Angola. Explore scenic landscapes as varied as its ecosystem, and its extraordinary cultural heritage, shopping malls, museums, hotels driving range, and clubhouses Angola cultivate for boosting its tourism potential.

You can tap into that potential as you explore the territory by renting a car. Driving in Angola will let you explore the country without the hassle of public transportation and sticking to tour schedules. It will also feel safer to travel around the unknown territory in a private car instead of jostling past passengers in a candongueiro. Wanna know more about that? Continue reading to find out all there is to know about the rising tourism gem of the African continent.

You can take part in actively encouraging Angola’s tourism by personally experiencing all that it has to offer. Driving through the territory and picking out your favorite spots can be much more efficient than This guide is structured to give you the best overview and in-depth guide, getting you ready for an adventure of a lifetime.

Before booking your flight, charting out your travel plans, and driving in Angola, it may be useful for you to know about the background and history, travel restriction updates, and facts about the country. This will jumpstart your planning and give you a quick background check before exploring Angola’s territories.

All non-essential travels were restricted except for Angolan citizens or foreign residents returning home, foreigners with worker visas, and other travelers visiting the country for public welfare, medical or diplomatic reasons. Land borders remain closed except for commercial transport within the country, but domestic flights have resumed since September 14. For a real-time update on its currently limited border status, visit the International Drivers Association’s travel restrictions page.

What Are the Updates Regarding COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Additional Requirements for Traveling to Angola?

An international certificate of vaccination and proof of a negative PCR or serology COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure must be presented by travelers upon entry and must also re-test within seven days after arrival. Before entering and driving in Angola, a history of yellow fever vaccination may also be requested. Those who enter the country will be permitted to undergo quarantine at home, but for those who will not be able to do so, the government has set up multiple quarantine sites all over the country.

As of November 21, 2020, the Angolan Government renewed COVID-19 prevention and control measures for an additional period of 30 days, from November 23 until December 22, within the scope of the Presidential Decree on the Situation of Public Disasters.

Angola is situated in the southwest portion of the African continent, bordered by Namibia to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo above, and on either side is Zambia and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a large, broad country with various landscapes such as deserts, highlands, rainforest, and cityscapes within river valleys. The Huila plateau covers the eastern two-thirds of the country, gradually falling at the east border.

The plateau drainage is generally a watershed formed by the Lunda Divide. Tributaries of the Congo River, such as the Cuango drains the northeast quadrant of Angola. Angola’s largest and only fully navigable river, Cuanza, drains the central part of the plateau before flowing north then west towards the Atlantic Ocean. Some south-flowing rivers from the plateau drain into the Zambezi river; others run to Etosha Pan’s internal drainage system.

Agriculture and ironworks have been established in Angola from about 1000 BCE towards the first century CE. By 1500, large kingdoms and smaller scattered states had settled in the territory. The Kongo kingdom was the most powerful state that developed within Angola. In 1483, it entered diplomatic relations with Portuguese navigators, converting the king’s family and establishing Christianity as a permanent religion.

The Portuguese language and other aspects of the European culture were developed following foreign diplomacy. Soon after, disputes with the locals emerged mainly with the slave trade expansion perpetrated by Portugal as a factor in the rise and fall among the kingdoms. Portuguese territory expanded, establishing a colony in Luanda, forcing separatist groups to form. It wasn’t until 2006 when a peace agreement was established, giving Angolans hope for peace.

Due to the country’s history with the navigators from Portugal that colonized it, Portuguese was tagged as tAngola’sofficial language. The language is spoken by roughly 80% of the citizens as either their primary or secondary language. Among the country’s local dialects are African languages like Khoisan and Bantu, the latter being the most widely spoken language.

The native Angolans are predominantly of bl including Ovimbundu, Ambundu, Bakongo, and some mixed race. A substantial presence of foreigners can be found in Angola, mostly in its capital, Luanda. Portuguese, Chinese, Americans, French, Indian, Lebanese, Brazilians, and other nationalities have resided in the country.

Portuguese is the nationality that makes up most of the non-Angolan population, and much of the native-born population can claim the foreign nationality as their own under Portuguese law. European-African mixed races constitute about 2 percent and 1 percent of the white population, mainly of Portuguese descent. Ethnic groups in Angola are numerous, and the three main groups each speak a Bantu language.

The Angolan Kwanza AOA was introduced in 1999 as the national currency replacing the “Kwanza Reajustado” AOK. It comes in 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 banknotes, while coins come in 10 cêntimos, 50 cêntimos, 1, 2, and 5 denominations. A dollar in the US is equivalent to 665.11 Angolan Kwanza as of November 9, 2020.

Angola has not been tourist-friendly for years due to civil war, but you do not need to worry about getting caught up in trouble if you wish to visit the country. It was opened to multiple possibilities, including tourism and entrepreneurship within its borders, along with the new-found peace. The Ministry of Hotel and Tourism was established to boost the country’s potential into reality.

With all the exciting places in Angola due to its diverse landscapes, it would be great for you to be one of the few who could experience Angola’s natural and raw beauty. With its rapidly developing luxury hotel and resort sector, the virgin land of cultural and historical substance would be a suitable vacation spot for jet-setters who seek to be personally updated in all of the world's hottest travel destinations.

Having an international driving permit for Angola would be beneficial for ease of driving across borders. It lets Angolan authorities understand your license if it is not issued in English. It serves as a translation and an additional identification document that you can present to authorities and car rental agencies.

An International Driving Permit is a United Nations regulated travel document that is a translation of your native license into different languages. Some countries require tourists to carry an International Driving Permit when traveling. It is highly suggested to have one, especially when driving in countries adjacent to several other countries in one whole continent, such as the countries in the African continent.

If you do not have a driving license in Angola, a full, valid driver’s license from your home country and an international driving permit are required when driving in Angola, primarily if your license is not issued in Portuguese or English. An IDP is also necessary for car rentals and additional identification for identity checks carried out by Angolan police all over some major roads in the country.

An international driving permit will not replace a native driver’s license. It will only be valid if a full and valid driver’s license from your native country accompanies it. You have to make sure your license is up-to-date and is valid within the duration of your trip because an IDP will not be valid if your native driver’s license expires.

Only those who own a full and valid driver's license from their home country may apply for an international driving permit online. If you only have a learner’s permit, you will not be accepted in applying for an IDP. You must be duly licensed before you can be eligible to have an IDP.

You can immediately start applying for an IDP from the International Drivers Association; just click here to fill out the online form. The processing time is only 20 minutes, after which you can receive the digital version of your IDP within 2 hours or less if you avail the express shipping. The IDA gives you the benefit of a full refund within 30 days after receiving your permit if you decide not to travel instead.

You have the liberty to choose which validity period would fit your travel plans. You can visit the International Drivers Association website and select here if you want your IDP to be valid for either one, two, or three years. Remember that your IDP will only be valid if your native license is valid, so make sure that your native driver’s license is also valid within the validity duration that you will choose.

The best way to get an international driving permit for driving in Angola is online through the International Drivers Association. You can easily apply for an IDP, and a digital copy will be emailed to you if you avail the express package. You can also wait for your physical card to be mailed directly to you.

You may want to drive your own car, but it is also good to know that vehicles are available for rental in Angola. There are local car rental agencies based in Luanda, and some international agencies have locations in the country as well. They have vehicle types suited for the terrain to give you a pleasant time exploring and driving through Angola. Learn a few facts about how rental cars can be hired in Angola below.

Many car rental companies and travel platform websites, partnered with international rental agencies, offer car hires in Angola. You can check these websites and book your car beforehand to avoid the hassle of spending your vacation time with the rental arrangements.

• Win
• Europcar
• Keddy
• Budget
• Hertz
• Avis
• Alamo
• Dollar
• Fox
• Thrifty
• Sixt
• Payless
• National

An IDP is needed to rent a car in Angola, especially for those who hold foreign driving licenses without photos or have unclear and out-of-date images. You will also have to get an IDP if your license is printed in non-Roman Alphabet like Arabic, Chinese or Japanese characters you want to rent a car. It will help in translating your local license for Angolan traffic authorities and rental agents to understand.

Car rental agencies offer a varied fleet of vehicle types you can rent in Angola. You can rent a wide variety of vehicle types, including mini cars, midsize cars, economy, compact, minivan or van, luxury or sports cars, and SUVs. Rental cars mostly have air conditioning, an anti-lock braking system, assisted direction system, airbag, automated gearbox, electric windows, electric mirrors, and an audio system installed.

Most car rental agencies in Angola require that the renter or driver should be 21 years old even if the minimum driving age in Angola is 18 years old. Rental companies impose premiums on relatively young drivers under 25 years old. There is no specified maximum age limit when driving in Angola, but some agencies have a maximum age limit, so you should ask the agency about it.

The average cost of renting a car in its capital, Luanda, is roughly around $121 per day, about $845 per week. There are also different rates per agency, but Europcar offers the cheapest deal at about $87 per day. It is also the only agency that offers to pick you up at the airport to off-airport locations. In general, rental car agencies in off-airport locations are much cheaper than those closer to one.

You will need to present your full, valid driver’s license accompanied by an international driving permit before you can hire a rental car for driving in Angola. Different agencies may require different requirements, but it is best to have your passport, visa, other travel documents, and a debit or credit card ready for rental transactions.

Car rental agencies usually have rates that are inclusive of fire, collision, and theft insurance coverages. If you opt to use third-party liability coverage offered by your credit card, please contact them directly for details and make sure it can be utilized in other countries, specifically in Angola.

Some rental agencies offer a full protection service for your car rental that guarantees reimbursement of damage excess payments on the vehicle you rented. This includes physical damage dealt on the vehicle’s windows, windscreens, roof, wheels, and undercarriage. You can ask the agency you prefer to hire from about your car rental policies to make sure you get the best deal before driving in Angola.

Some car rental agencies would restrict renters to drive only in the city where the rental agency operates. Additional fees may be imposed for those who would drive to other cities in Angola and may only be allowed for specific vehicle types. Some agencies may permit one-way car trips, but cars rented in Angola can’t be dropped off or sometimes driven to other neighboring African countries.

It is intimidating to think of driving on foreign roads, especially in a country that has been war-stricken for so long. But this should not stop you from giving Angola the chance to show you its hidden treasures. Road developments kicked off by the government aims to help Angola become tourism-ready and worthy.

Angolan road trips are best-experienced without encounters with traffic authorities. You may need to recalibrate your driving skills to the Angolan standard if your country’s traffic rules differ from them. But some standards remain important, like being physically and mentally ready before taking the wheel. Being well-rested and clear-headed is essential, as well as being aware of the basic driving laws.

The minimum legal age before an individual can be allowed to drive is 18 years old. Although if you wish to rent a car, you’d have to be at least 21 years old to do so. The validity period of a driving license issued in Luanda to a driver who passed the driving test at 18 years old will continue up until 22 years before it expires. The new license issued after the driver turns forty will continue to be valid for ten years.

Angolans drive on the right side of the road, which is typical for most countries. Driving on the wrong side of the road can result in road accidents, so doing this will cause you to have a traffic citation or have your license taken. You may have to pay a fine to get your license back but be wary of traffic enforcers who would ask you to pay on the spot. You must never pay cash on the spot to any enforcer or police officer.

Since Angola drives on the right side of the road, you must give way to traffic from the right in intersections and junctions. If your lane has the right of way, you should observe the needed traffic safety measures. When driving in Angola, you must give way to other drivers exiting a parking lot or gas station. The right of way must also be given to cars already in a roundabout and leaving a level crossing.

Angola makes use of the universal tri-color scheme traffic light system wherein the lights typically utilize green, amber, and red to control road movement and alternates right of way. However, the best course of action is to be cautious since Angolans often ignore them. Traffic lights in some areas may also be busted. Traffic jams in Luanda are often terrible because of under par road networks and faulty traffic lights.

The speed limit for urban areas is 60 kph, while the speed limit for rural areas is 100 kph. Vehicles without trailers are limited to 60 kph in built-up areas, 90 kph outside of built-up areas, 100 kph on open road car or motorcycle lanes, and 120 kph on highways. Vehicles with trailers are limited to 50 kph in built-up areas, 70 kph outside of built-up areas, 80 kph on open road car or motorcycle lanes, and 100 kph on highways.

Angola does not have fixed speed cameras, but the police have mobile speed traps set up anywhere, most likely targeting rental cars rather than locals. So it is best to stick to the speed limits even if other cars around you seem to go over them. The traffic cameras installed for motorists driving in Luanda, Angola, are mainly for managing traffic and not keeping an eye on speed limit offenders.

It is mandatory for the driver and passengers in both the front or rear seats to use seat belts when riding a vehicle in Angola. It is best to only travel with children if there is a suitable child seat or restraint. Angolans tend to go over speed limits, and you may encounter drivers like this on the road, so it is best to keep your little ones safe.

The use of a mobile phone or any gadgets while driving is prohibited in Angola. But as with most Angolan traffic rules, this is often contravened by locals as well. But, do not be tempted to imitate this behavior since minor violations committed by tourists would be hot in the eyes of most police officers compared to violations done by locals. No rules are established against hands-free devices, so it is recommended to use that instead.

If you want to overtake a vehicle on the road, you must do it cautiously and try to alert the other drivers of your planned action using lights, car horns, or by hand signals or waving at them. You must not overtake a vehicle at speed bumps, curves, tunnels, intersections, junctions, bridges immediately before and at pedestrian or railway crossings, as well as when you want to overtake a car that is overtaking another.

It is required by the law to always have proper documentation within reach when driving in Angola. You always need to have essential documents with you, such as your native driving license, proof of driving insurance in Angola, visa, and passport. You must also carry your international drivers’ license or more properly known as an international driving permit. Passport or other ID copies must be notarized by the Angolan Notary Public.

It is essential to have identity documents when driving and traveling between Angola provinces because police and military checkpoints may be found on any major highway, especially in the capital. You may be fined 15,000 Kwanzas if you fail to present documents upon request. Original ID or documents may be asked when crossing provinces, but otherwise, you may carry copies when driving around one province only.

The blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Angola is 0.06%, equal to 60mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Roadside breathalyzer tests are done and, once you fail, you will be taken to the nearest police station for a blood test. Failing a blood test will result in license suspension and a fine, at the minimum, while more severe cases can lead to legal proceedings or imprisonment.

Stopping or parking in busy areas or places where visibility tends to be scant, such as roundabouts, tunnels, level crossings, bridges, and underpasses, are not allowed. Parking is also prohibited less than 10 m on either side of level crossings, less than 5 m on either side of the filling stations, intersections, and before marked pedestrian or bicycle crossing.

If you are planning to have an out of the country family vacation in Angola, it is best to reserve it for an “adult-only” vacation. Traveling with children can be risky due to health and practicality concerns. Mosquitoes that carry malaria are an issue for most parents, and it is not healthy nor practical to frequently put repellant spray or lotion on children.

Baby items, including diapers, baby food, and toys, are costly, and you will have to buy them beforehand because most items are not readily available. You will probably have to bring over car seats and a stroller. You will have to bring what you will need since shopping for clothes or shoes in Angola is very expensive.

Some driving practices are not written in laws or handbooks for drivers to follow but have been a customary code established among motorists and traffic authorities. These practices are unspoken agreements of how drivers should behave on the road towards authorities and each other.

A lot of road emergencies may be encountered when driving in Angola. If your car breaks down in the middle of the road, roadside assistance may be hard to come by to help you, especially in the countryside. You may call private roadside services or use an app that offers road service if you run into any problems. Having a flat tire, your car running out of fuel, or any other emergency circumstances where your vehicle needs towing or transferring to a nearby service station are just some of the problems you may encounter.

Police set up spontaneous roadblocks within the capital to check for vehicle documentation. They may ask for a vehicle or personal identification documents at any given time. You have to keep all necessary documents like your native driver’s license, your international driving permit, and vehicle rental and insurance documents with you when driving in Angola. You may also be asked to stop for traffic violations, so you always have to be alert and cautious in driving.

It is best to stay inside your vehicle and lower your window to communicate with the police officer. Getting stopped by police to cite traffic violations just for soliciting bribes is not an unprecedented occurrence in Angola. Suppose you are skeptical about the officer’s credibility or asked to pay a fine on the spot. In that case, you can ask for the name and badge ID number of the issuing officer along with a written ticket of your violation.

However, you may also encounter police stops for identification checks and minor road violations that you know you are guilty of or if you think you did but aren’t entirely sure of the offense. It is best to communicate with the police officers to avoid misunderstandings. Here are the things you have to do:

• Slow down and pull up to the roadside.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Ask the police or traffic officer to know what the stop is about.
• Present your identification documents, whether it is an ID inspection or a violation.
• Wait for further instructions but refuse on the spot fines.
• Cooperate with the authorities when asked to settle the matter at a station.

For mandatory checkpoints, which are usually set up between provincial boundaries, you may apply the same protocol when police stop you. You must slowly pull up at the checkpoint area and present your identification and vehicle documents. It is essential to always have your native driving license for check-ups in Angola. An international driver's permit is also required when driving through provinces in Angola, so you will probably be asked to present it as well.

Driving in Angola can be tiring since the terrain is not always paved asphalt. Driving through the countryside of Angola will probably get you worked up, and you might be drowsy after being on the road for hours. There are lots of reasons why staying alert on the road is especially necessary for Angola. Local motorists tend to ignore signals while motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians try to wedge through traffic suddenly. There are also lots of livestock animals that roam on country roads.

You must catch yourself or any designated drivers within the early signs of drowsy driving to avoid any accidents. Yawning, frequent blinking, missing exits, drifting away from your lane, and slightly forgetting the past few miles already driven are among the few signs you should watch out for when driving for a long time. You should also be wary of medications that may cause drowsiness or may affect a breathalyzer test.

In case of any vehicular accidents, you have to pull over and call the attention of any traffic or police officer. If you become caught up in a car accident, exchanging personal and vehicle identification details with the other driver is very important. If the other driver or drivers involved are not insured or refuse to give out their details, you should report them immediately. Call your insurance company and rental agency at once to report the incident.

If anyone involved got hurt or was injured, immediately call the police and medical assistance. It is good practice to remain in the area even if you are not at fault to personally document all vehicle damage with your phone or digital camera. It’s important to document all these for an accurate and valid police report, no matter how small an accident is. Keep all incident report paperwork as a record of what happened. Here are emergency numbers you can call:

• 113 – Police
• 115 – Fire Service
• 112 / 116 – Ambulance
• The US embassy is at R. Houari Boumediene 32, Luanda, Angola (+244 222 641 000)
• The British embassy is at R. 17 de Setembro, Luanda, Angola (+244 222 334 582)

A few short phrases may help you along the way when navigating through Angolan roads. Knowing a few Portuguese remarks are very handy when you either need to call out for help or you’re just looking to make some friends by being polite along the road.

• Thank you – Obrigada (female) / Obrigado (male)
• Hello – Ola
• Is everything ok – Tudo bem?
• I have a puncture - Eu tenho um furo
• May car has broken down - meu carro avariou
• Call the police - Chame a polícia

It is best to learn Portuguese in asking for directions when driving in Luanda, Angola, since people in the capital mostly speak the language. Here are some useful phrases when asking directions in Angola:

• Com licença, você pode me informar onde é o _place_? – Excuse me, do you know where _place_ is?
• Você sabe onde fica o _place_? / Você sabe onde é o _place_? – Do you know where _place_ is?
• Como eu chego no _place_? – How do I get to _place_?
• Dá para ir andando? – Is it within walking distance?
• É muito longe? – Is it far from here?
• Qual é a distância? – How far is it?
• Qual ônibus eu devo pegar? Onde? – Which bus should I take? Where?
• Em que ponto eu desço? – Where do I get off?

Here are some words Angola’ssed when giving you instructions to understand the locals when they help you.

• Siga em frente… – Go straight head…
• * …até o (primeiro, segundo, terceiro) sinal/semáforo – until the (first, second, third) traffic light
• * …até a rua Carvalhais de Paiva – until Carvalhais de Paiva street
• * …até a padaria – until the bakery
• * …até a farmácia – until the pharmacy
• * …por (um, dois, três) quarteirões – for (one, two, three) blocks
• Vire… – turn…
• * …à (primeira, segunda, terceira) direita – right on the (first, second, third) street
• * …à (primeira, segunda, terceira) esquerda – left on the (first, second, third) street
• * …na padaria – at the bakery
• * …no sinal/semáforo – at the traffic light
• * …no (primeiro, segundo, terceiro) quarteirão – on the (first, second, third) block
• * …depois da escola – after the school
• * …antes da delegacia de polícia – before the police station
• Atravesse… – cross…
• * … a rua – the street
• * … a ponte – the bridge
• * …o rio – the river
• O _place_ fica… – _place_ will be…
• * …ao lado direto – on the right side
• * …ao lado esquerdo – on the left side
• * …ao lado da farmácia – beside the pharmacy
• * …ao lado dos correios – beside the post office

By now, you probably have an idea and, more or less, the proper knowledge about the requirements before you can drive, important driving rules, practices, and even some information about renting a car in Angola. Another essential knowledge that you must be aware of is how Angolan roads are laid out, how you can maneuver and find your way through them, and the people you may encounter along the way.

National roads in Angola are indicated with the letter “N” on signs but will appear as “EN” in text, which means “Estrada Nacional.” New road signs for major roads are written in white on a green background, while signs for minor roads are written in black text with an old Portuguese font style on white background. A corresponding number system is used for labeling each road according to direction and regions it connects.

Routes stretching from the north of the country to the southern part are labeled with numbers beginning with 1, which increases for routes moving toward the east. Routes running from east to west are marked with numbers starting with 2, which increases toward the south. Diagonally oriented roads begin with number 3, wherein northeast to southwest routes have even numbers and odd for northwest to southeast routes.

There has been a continuous improvement on the major roads connecting the country’s capital and the provincial capitals of Angola, but some roads remain poor. Major routes are paved in most areas and have filling stations and other road assistance establishments or services. Hazards like potholes, lack of traffic signs, faulty traffic lights, and roaming livestock can also be encountered. Some basic roadside structures or designated areas for pedestrians are lacking too.

Roads and bridges already in lousy shape become more challenging to traverse during the rainy season from November to April. In this time, landmines may also become displaced and come up in areas outside of known minefields. It’s best to ask the locals or your car rental supplier about the road condition of the place you’re heading to. Using a four-wheel-drive vehicle is advisable when driving on the outskirts of Luanda and to other provinces of Angola because most secondary roads are unpaved.

Driving in Angola can be especially difficult for various reasons. If you wish to travel soon, Angola may have yet to draw level with road and transportation developments as with other countries. Even in Luanda, most of the streets have no names. Traffic is chaotic, and most motorists are aggressive. Considering that most car agencies offer a driver-for-hire service, it’s still best to drive on your own to keep you at ease and comfortable.

Some Angolan motorists can be aggressive and defiant to the road rules and regulations, leading to high rates of road accidents. Their lack of attention to signals, unpredictable and reckless driving habits all contribute to Angola’s poor road conditions. However, along with the extensive road developments planned out for Angola, stringent traffic rules are also being implemented to address these previous problems. This ensures that not only roads but also driving practices will improve.

The joint agreement among transporters is that Angola has not yet achieved sufficient road security. The roads linking the towns along the west coast are fair, but the roads serving further east to the inland provinces are in poor condition. Bridges and weighbridges are pretty good; however, old structures need faster rehabilitation corresponding to Angola’s transport industry’s needs.

Above all this, the road network system is not protected by regular inspection and rehabilitation. Thus, the implementation of directives related to axle load limits is frequently unmet. The questionable existence of viable active road weighbridges nationwide has been acknowledged by the authorities. It is also noteworthy for public concern that no stringent inspections for construction quality were carried out.

According to the Interior Ministry's Broad Consultative Council spokesperson, about 5,000 road accidents happened all over the country only within the first half of the year 2018. The highest number of accidents in one city reached 809, which occurred in Luanda, 597 accidents in Benguela, Huíla with 520, Huambo with 450, and Bié with 401. The top three reasons for this problem are over-speeding, poor vehicle condition, and drunk-driving.

Seventeen years had passed from the Angolan civil war, and since 1994, The HALO Trust organization had focused on removing landmines that permeated the country, so it’s now safe to drive on the Angolan roads. In 1997, Princess Diana of Wales visited Huambo to raise awareness of these dangerous landmines. Today, Huambo has become a thriving and safe community since the late princess’ campaign.

In 2017, 3,600 areas were ridden in landmines, and until the first half of 2019, 70 landmine accidents killed 156 people, 87 of whom were children. As of September 2019, the organization had rid Angola of 100,000 landmines wherein 75 different kinds of explosive devices were destroyed. It was estimated that there might be 500,000 devices scattered across 1,100 known minefields currently remaining in Angola.

Various humanitarian mine action organizations are taking part in the Landmine Free 2025 campaign, which aims to carry out the goal of the 1997 Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty. A total of 12.5 square kilometers of land in Angola had been cleared of anti-personnel mines from 2013 to 2017. In August 2019, 108,952 and 9,668 kilometers of roads and power lines, respectively, were reported as landmine free. Malanje, Namibe, and Huambo provinces are virtually mine-free, making it safer for you to drive on Angolan roads.

Over the last ten years, about 10 million square meters of Angolan land were cleared for Angolan communities to come back to, rebuilding their lives along roads, riverbanks, and village areas for hundreds of the citizens. A village area that once had 66 residents in 2010 was able to rebuild a clinic, five boreholes, a school, three churches, ten shops, and more catering to 2,866 people residing in the area by 2019.

If you are planning to stay a while longer in Angola to fully explore all the places to go to or visiting for reasons other than vacation traveling, you are probably going to need more than you’ve already read so far. You may be thinking of applying for a job or covering more ground while spending more time on your Angolan vacation. Either way, these few pieces of information may be useful for you.

Tourists from the United States are allowed to drive in Angola using their native license for one month. After that period, US license holders and other international visitors who wish to drive in Angola must secure the proper documents for driving in Angola, including car rental requirements and an international driving permit. You can get around Angola on white and blue painted vans called candongueiro, but it is best to drive your car, or a rented one since public transportation can be a bit of a hassle in Angola.

The most common cities and provinces to find truck driving jobs in Angola are in the capital, Luanda, Cabinda, Huambo, Lubango, and Cuito, usually offered by transport companies and warehouses. The average salary for heavy truck driving jobs in Angola is 213,327 kwanzas, equivalent to about 326 US dollars. The workweek is usually from Monday to Friday, with 40 hours of working time eligible for paid vacation days and paid public holidays.

Planning to apply for driving jobs in Angola or merely to explore more places entails knowing the estimated travel time it will take to go to the different towns in Angola. In the travel time matrix reported for Angola’s road network from the Atlassian Confluence using the Logistics Capacity Assessment tool, the following travel hours listed can be more or less expected when traveling to the towns and provinces from the capital of Angola:

• Luanda to Benguela - 7 hours
• Luanda to Cabinda - 17 hours
• Luanda to Gabela - 6 hours
• Luanda to Matandi - 14 hours
• Luanda to Huambo - 10 hours
• Luanda to Cuito - 12 hours
• Luanda to Lobito - 8 hours
• Luanda to Luau - 20 hours
• Luanda to Lubango - 13 hours
• Luanda to Luena - 19 hours
• Luanda to Mbaza Con - 8 hours
• Luanda to Malange - 6 hours
• Luanda to Menongue - 17 hours
• Luanda to Luvo - 10 hours
• Luanda to Ndlatando - 3 hours
• Luanda to Ondjiva - 17 hours
• Luanda to Namibe - 14 hours
• Luanda to Noqui - 14 hours
• Luanda to Saurimo - 16 hours
• Luanda to Sumbe - 5 hours
• Luanda to Uige - 5 hours

Now that you’re ready to drive around Angola, the most exciting part of getting prepared is planning out where and how you’ll spend your time in the country’s unique destinations. Even though Angola is probably still a bit hungover from the civil war, many developments have been established to make sure it can accommodate tourists better sometime soon. Angola’s 1,600 km coastline, rainforests, desert regions, and savannahs prove that nature makes up for the lack of urban progress in other provincial areas.

There is still so much to do in Angola despite its harsh past, which contributes to its curiosities in terms of its history and culture. The cities of Benguela and Lobito along the coast have artistic architecture and miles of deserted beaches. You can surf on one of these beautiful beaches named Caba Ledo. In Namibe province, you can sleep under the desert stars. TAAG, the national airline, flies to most provincial capitals, so make sure that when you make it to Angola, explore more than just the capital.

Angola’s capital city, Luanda, sits on the Atlantic coast. Major rehabilitation and expansion projects have turned up here and there within this rapidly developing city, attracting many immigrants over the past few years. Luanda’s prosperous business industry of oil and mineral wealth made it expensive to visit, but do not be discouraged. New infrastructure, along with the warm climate, means that you can visit it with relatively more comfort than other regions.

Luanda is a city of antithesis from Porsches to outskirt slums, nature’s beauty to desolations of war and areas of tremendous growth to areas caught up in a slump. Angola’s wealth distribution is highly unequal. Thus, while most people don’t even have access to clean water, the lucky few have access to top-quality hotels and clubhouses. Out of the ruins of more than forty years of war for liberation, followed by a brutal civil war, the country strives for peace and change.

• From TAAG Airline, take Via R9 and Rua Centro Convenções S8 to Av. Pedro de Castro Van-Dúnem Loy/EN100
• Continue on EN100 to Av. do 1º Congresso do MPLA
• Continue on Av. do 1º Congresso do MPLA to your destination.

The fortress was built by Angola’s first Captain-Governor Paulo Dias de Novais in 1576. Its beauty resonates in the ornate wall tiles that narrate Angola’s history while also displaying many other ancient relics representing the country’s heritage. The Saint Michael Fortress became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. Since then, it has become one of the most popular places to visit in the city.

• From Luanda airport, take Via R9 and Rua Centro Convenções S8 to Av. Pedro de Castro Van-Dúnem Loy/EN100
• Follow EN100 to Calçada Dom Simão Mascarenhas/Largo Infante Dom Henrique
• Continue on Calçada Dom Simão Mascarenhas. Drive to Calçada de São Miguel

Angola was once among the largest slave-traders along the western coast of Africa. Luanda’s past in the slave industry is something to frown upon but not something to disregard and completely forget. Angola’s unpleasant history is commemorated by the National Museum of Slavery or locally known as the Museu Nacional da Escravatura. The site where the museum sits was where slaves were baptized before being shipped off to the USA.

The National Museum of Natural History displays flora and fauna that are indigenous or once inhabited the country. Plant and animal life are displayed, as well as other diverse organisms. The National Museum of Anthropology, founded in 1977, is a small white building that sits along the city’s coastline dedicated to educating people about the country’s history and culture. It displays photos, lithographs, and a collection of traditional masks, sculptures, jewelry, musical instruments, weaponry, and clothing that tells the story of Angola’s rich civilization.

To go on a road trip for museum hopping, start at:

• Museu da Moeda

• Head north on Largo Saydi Mingas toward Av. 4 de Fevereiro/EN100
• Turn right onto Av. 4 de Fevereiro/EN100
• Turn right onto Largo do Ambiente.
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Largo do Ambiente.
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto R. Gamal Abdel Nasser.
• Turn right onto R. Nossa Sra. da Muxima
• Destination will be on the left
• Museum of Natural History

• Head west on R. Nossa Sra. da Muxima
• Slight left toward R. da Missão
• Turn right onto R. da Missão
• Turn left toward R. Friedrich Engels
• Turn right at the 1st cross street onto R. Friedrich Engels.
• Destination will be on the right
• Museu Nacional de Antropologia

• Take R. Francisco das Necessidades Castelo Branco and Av. do 1º Congresso do MPLA to R. dos Heróis
• Follow R. dos Heróis and Estr. da Samba/EN100
• Take R. da Fapa and Av. 21 de Janeiro to your destination.
• Museum of the Armed Forces

• Follow Av. 21 de Janeiro
• EN100 in Belas
• Follow EN100 - Drive to your destination

This mausoleum, which is also a museum, celebrates António Agostinho Neto, Angola’s first president, following its liberation from Portugal’s grasp. He led the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola and became president in 1975 through to 1979. This exemplary mausoleum shouldn’t be missed since it’s one of the structures that truly stand out in the capital. The structure holds numerous photos of him with other political leaders around the world, including Che Guevara, Fidel Castro, and Honecker.

• From Luanda airport, take Via R9 and Rua Centro Convenções S8 to Av. Pedro de Castro Van-Dúnem Loy/EN100.
• Follow EN100.
• Drive to Agostinho Neto Mausoleum, Luanda, Angola.

The Palácio de Ferro, also known as the Iron Palace, is a striking yellow palace with fine wood details and decorative fencing designed by the world-renowned architect Gustave Eiffel. It may not rival the Eiffel tower or the other structures designed by the famous architect, but it surely displays his craftsmanship in his field. It was believed to have been built in France and moved to Madagascar by boat, but it ended up along Angola’s Skeleton Coast instead due to drifts from the currents.

• From Luanda airport, take Via R9 and Rua Centro Convenções S8 to Av. Pedro de Castro Van-Dúnem Loy/EN100.
• Continue on EN100 to Av. do 1º Congresso do MPLA.
• Continue on Av. do 1º Congresso do MPLA. Take R. Amílcar Cabral to Av. 4 de Fevereiro/EN100.
• Turn right onto Av. 4 de Fevereiro/EN100.
• Take R. Ndunduma to Estrada de Cacuaco.
• Iron Palace, R. Maj. Kanhangulo, Luanda, Angola.

The Kissama or Quiçama National Park, also locally referred to as Parquet Nacional do Quiçama or Parque Nacional da Quissama, is a 12,000 square kilometer park that opened as a game reserve in 1938 but became a national park in 1957. Today, it is a popular safari day trip with native African wildlife. The animals reach the park by transport from Botswana and South Africa via their Noah’s Ark operation.

It is the only functional national park left among the others abandoned during the civil war and affected by the decreased animal population due to poaching and hunting. The Angolan government’s administrative effort and neighboring friends in South Africa and Botswana are looking to protect and commit to the repopulation of animals and rehabilitation of their natural habitat to see wildlife thrive again as it once did in the area.

• From Luanda airport, take Via R9 and Rua Centro Convenções S8 to Av. Pedro de Castro Van-Dúnem Loy/EN100.
• Continue on EN100 to Av. do 1º Congresso do MPLA.
• Continue on Av. do 1º Congresso do MPLA. Take R. Amílcar Cabral to Av. 4 de Fevereiro/EN100.
• Continue on Av. Salvador Correia to your destination
• Drive to Kissama-Kurica Safari Lodge or Parque da Quiçama Quiçama, Luanda, Angola.

Angola’s first modern mall is Belas Shopping Mall, which is a great place to shop and a great way to escape a steaming day in the tropical country. The 120,000 square meter mall opened in 2007 that luxuriously holds eight cinemas, an entertainment area, a food court, and over 100 stores - the majority of which are local shops, making it a great place to learn about their local brands. There are also banks and a supermarket within the mall.

• From Luanda airport, continue to Via A2.
• Take Rua Centro Convenções S8 to Via S7A.
• Turn left onto Via S7A.
• Continue onto Av. Luanda Sul.
• Drive to your destination in Belas Shopping, Av. Luanda Sul, Luanda, Angola.

Local markets are also a great place to shop for handicrafts, including paintings, jewelry, textiles, and baskets. Many local markets in Namibe and Luanda are great for bargaining to snag the best deals and watch and observe the locals go about their regular daily routine. The Benfica Market is one of the best places to shop for local handicrafts just south of the city center and best visited with a guide.

To go to Benfica Market from Luanda airport:

• Take Via R9 and Rua Centro Convenções S8.
• And to Av. Pedro de Castro Van-Dúnem Loy/EN100.
• Follow EN100 Drive to Benfica within 1.7 km in Belas, Angola.

Also known as Marginal, the Avenida runs parallel to the Luanda Bay. It is lined with beautiful buildings like the Banco de Angola, and it has a great view of the sea and all the boats coming in and out of Luanda’s port at one end of the avenue. The port is famous for its clock tower, while at the other end of this prestigious street is where the old fort sits. Its name was derived from the date when the Portuguese Colonial War began, which signified Angola’s struggle for its independence.

• From Luanda airport, take Via R9 and Rua Centro Convenções S8 to Av. Pedro de Castro Van-Dúnem Loy/EN100.
• Continue on EN100 to Av. do 1º Congresso do MPLA.
• Continue on Av. Salvador Correia to your destination
• Turn left onto Ave. 4 de Fevereiro/EN100, then you’ll arrive at Av. 4 de Fevereiro.

After strolling along the Avenida, you can go to Epic Sana Luanda hotel for a meal and a relaxing night out. This five-star hotel with a beautiful view of the Luanda bay is not far from Avenida 4 de Fevereiro. Enjoy a fancy dinner with a glass of wine in any fabulous restaurants and bars in the hotel like the Origami, Vitrúvio Restaurant, Switch Supper Club, and Kosmopolis Bar.

• From Luanda airport, take Via R9 and Rua Centro Convenções S8 to Av. Pedro de Castro Van-Dúnem Loy/EN100.
• Follow EN100 and Av. 4 de Fevereiro to Largo do Ambiente.
• Take R. Ndunduma to Estrada de Cacuaco.
• You’ll arrive at EPIC SANA Luanda, R. da Missão, Luanda, Angola.

If you wish to practice your swing in a driving range in Angola, you can go to Mangais Ecotourismo resort at Barra do Kwanza, a top-quality golf course and clubhouse. The golf course architect founder of GolfDesign, Jorge Santana da Silva, designed the landscape with an exciting combination of parkland, lakes, and 18 open holes using his knowledge as a geometrician and a surveyor engineer.

You can try another driving range in Angola found in the country’s capital, the Luanda Golf Course, or head over to the Cabinda province’s Malongo Country Club if you are staying near that area. But general precaution is advised when being around the Cabinda region due to its high crime rate. This is mainly because of the province’s poor living conditions and their plea to seek independence from Angola.

To Mangais Ecotourismo Resort:

• From Luanda airport, take Via R9 and Rua Centro Convenções S8 to Av. Pedro de Castro Van-Dúnem Loy/EN100.
• Follow EN100 to drive to Mangais Ecoturismo.

To Luanda Golf Course:

• From Luanda airport, take Via R9 and Rua Centro Convenções S8 to Av. Pedro de Castro Van-Dúnem Loy/EN100.
• Head southwest and turn right toward Via A2.
• Turn left onto Via R9.
• Keep right to continue on Rua Centro Convenções S8.
• Follow EN100 and Turn right onto Av. Pedro de Castro Van-Dúnem Loy/EN100 to arrive at Luanda Golf Course.

To Malongo Country Club:

• Since Malongo is in the Cabinda province, you may start your journey from M’banza Congo Airport.
• Continue to EN120.
• Follow EN120 and stay on the road as you enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Turn left to N1, which is a toll road.
• Continue to Cabinda.
• Continue to EN100/EN220.
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Av. Duque de Chiazi/EN100/EN220.
• Drive to your destination in Malongo, Angola.

This fortress has contributed to Angola's history every so often. It was built on the ruins of Morro de Kassandama on a hill overlooking the city dating back to the 16th century. It became a national monument in 1932 and is currently on UNESCO’s tentative list of heritage sites for its historical significance. It was once a holding place for slaves to be shipped then more recently used as a prison for nationalists arrested throughout the war of independence.

• From Luanda airport, take Via R9, Via S5 and Av. Talatona to Av. Pedro de Castro Van-Dúnem Loy/EN100.
• Follow EN100 and Av. 4 de Fevereiro to Largo do Ambiente.
• Take R. Ndunduma to Estrada de Cacuaco.
• Follow Estrada de Cacuaco.
• Drive to R. de São Pedro da Barra.
• Saint Peter of the Bar Fortress, Luanda, Angola.

Angola’s reputation as a tropical wonderland in Southern Africa is because of the unspoiled Atlantic beaches owing to the low number of tourists visiting them since Angola has strict entry requirements in the past. Among these beaches are Baia Azul, Baia dos Elefantes, Baia Farta, Cabinda beach, Cabo Ledo, Praia Morena, Mussulo, Porto Amboim, Restinga de Lobita, Sangano, and Sumbe Beach.

Here is a suggested continuous road trip route for beach hopping along the western coast of Angola:

• Your journey starts from Luanda airport. To get to the beaches, you need to take Via R9, Rua Centro Convenções S8, R. da Vala
• Then Estr. Lar Patriota to Estr. da Samba/EN100
• Follow EN100 and drive 30.9 km to your destination.
• Peninsula Mussulo, Belas, Angola
• Heading to Peninsula Mussulo, continue to EN100
• Turn right onto EN100, which is a Toll road.
• And continue on EN100 to the next destination.
• Sangano, Angola
• To get to Sangano, head east toward EN100
• Turn right onto EN100
• Turn right
• Cabo Ledo, Angola
• To get to Cabo Ledo, head east toward Cabo Ledo/Rio Longa/EN100.
• Follow EN100 to Sumbe
• Turn right onto Cabo Ledo/Rio Longa/EN100
• Continue to follow EN100.
• Then turn left to stay on EN100 until you reach Sumbe.
• Sumbe, Angola
• To reach Sumbe beach, continue to Avenida dos Aliados/EN100
• Follow EN100 to Av. Salvador Correia in Lobito
• Continue on Av. Salvador Correia to your destination
• Lobito Bay, Angola
• To get to Lobito Bay, take Avenida da Independência, R. 15 de Agosto
• Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Avenida da Independência.
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit.
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Av. Paulo Dias de Novais/EN100
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Av. Paulo Dias de Novais/EN100.
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on EN100.
• Turn right onto R. 31 de Janeiro/EN100.
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto R. Gen. João de Almeida/EN100
• Drive to your destination
• Playa Morena, Benguela, Angola
• To reach Playa Morena, continue to R. Gen. João de Almeida/EN100
• Follow EN100 and turn right onto R. Gen. João de Almeida/EN100
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on EN100.
• Drive to Benguela-Baia Azul
• Benguela-Baia Azul, Angola
• From Baia Azul, head south on Benguela-Baia Azul
• Turn right onto R. 31 de Janeiro/EN100.
• Turn left to your destination
• Arrive at Bai­a Farta, Angola

Cascading from the waters flowing in one tributary of the Kwanza is the horse-shoe shaped Kalandula Falls. They are the second most important waterfall in Africa, measuring up to 105 meters high and 410 meters wide, located 420 kilometers from Luanda in Angola's rainforest with a landscape of diverse vegetation. They are also the largest waterfalls in Angola and the second-largest in Africa next to Victoria Falls.

• From TAAG Airline, take Via R9 and Estr. Lar Patriota to Via Expresso.
• Drive from Estr. de Catete and EN120 to Cacuso.
• Continue to EN140.
• Turn left onto EN140.
• Lastly, drive to your destination.
• Calandula in Malanje province.

The Namib desert extends for 1,900 km along the Atlantic coast of Africa from Namibe in Angola southward across Namibia to the Olifants River in Western Cape, South Africa. Its name means “an area where there is nothing.” in the Nama language. Though uninhabitable, the Namib is essential because of trade routes, mineral deposits, the fisheries of the bordering sea, and its increasing utilization for recreational purposes.

Among the sights are some of the most massive dunes in the world, the desolate landscape of the Skeleton Coast, the Agate mountain saltpans, Hoarasib clay castles, uniquely adapted desert wildlife, and other natural attractions with all its plant and animal life. Exploring the Namib is like being in 3 countries all at once without having to drive the 32-hour driving time from Angola to Namibia and an extra 3 hours to South Africa.

• From TAAG Airline, Luanda, Angola, head southwest and turn right then left at the 1st cross street toward Via A2.
• Turn left onto Via R9 then keep right to continue on Rua Centro Convenções S8.
• Follow EN100 to Namibe.
• Turn right onto Av. Pedro de Castro Van-Dúnem Loy/EN100.
• Make a U-turn and continue to follow EN100 until a toll road.
• Continue straight onto EN100/EN250.
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit, then turn right to stay on EN100/EN250.
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Av. Paulo Dias de Novais/EN100.
• Continue to follow EN100, then take the 1st exit at the roundabout and stay on EN100.
• Turn right onto R. 31 de Janeiro/EN100.
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto R. Gen. João de Almeida/EN100.
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on EN100.
• Keep right to stay on EN100 and Drive to your destination in Namibe to the area of the Reserva de Namibe.

Driving in Angola is surely a one-of-a-kind experience you shouldn’t miss, so it’s highly recommended to plan thoroughly to avoid mishaps and delays during your trip. Don’t forget to bring important documents, especially your IDP and driver’s license, to make your trip comfortable and peaceful.